Delhi-govt fined Rs. 50cr for inaction against steel pickling units
The National Green Tribunal yesterday fined Delhi government Rs. 50cr for not taking action against steel pickling units in residential areas as they fall under the prohibited list of industrial activity. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel rapped AAP government for not closing the units despite specific directions. It also directed the Delhi Government to shut them with immediate effect.
Stainless steel pickling units prohibited under DMP 2021
The order came on a plea filed by NGO 'All India Lokadhikar Sangthan'. The plea sought the execution of its order by which the green panel had directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to take action against stainless steel pickling industries in residential areas as they fall under the prohibited list of industrial activity as per the Delhi Master Plan (DMP) 2021.
Pickling units discharged effluent in open drains
The plea alleged that stainless steel pickling units functioning at Wazirpur discharged effluent in open drains which ultimately met the Yamuna river. It contended that under the pretext of decision making, "time is being taken by the Delhi government and the environment is made to suffer continuously". Pickling is the process of removing impurities such as stains and inorganic contaminants from metals.
